John 5:19-30


"So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.'" (John 5:19-30 ESV)


The Unity of the Son and the Father

In John 5:19-30, Jesus emphasizes the perfect unity between Himself and the Father. He makes it clear that He can do nothing on His own but only what He sees the Father doing. This reveals a deep relational oneness and complete submission to the Father's will. Jesus’ actions are a direct reflection of the Father’s work—He is not acting independently but as the divine Son in harmony with the Father.

This unity is critical for discipleship. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in obedience and alignment with God's will, just as Jesus modeled. The Holy Spirit, who lives in us, helps us to discern the Father's will through the Word of God and enables us to walk in step with His purposes. Jesus' complete reliance on the Father is a pattern for our dependence on God in everything.

Scriptures to Study:

John 14:10-11, Philippians 2:5-8, Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:25


The Authority of the Son to Give Life

Jesus declares that just as the Father has the power to give life, so does the Son. This authority is not limited to physical life but extends to spiritual life. Jesus can give eternal life to those who believe in Him. He explains that "whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life" (v. 24). This underscores the critical truth that salvation comes through faith in Christ and His word.

As believers, our spiritual life originates from Christ. He is the source of both physical and eternal life. Through the Holy Spirit, this life is imparted to us, transforming us from spiritual death to life in Christ. Our faith in Him not only frees us from condemnation but also brings us into fellowship with God. This reality should drive us to share the message of life found in Jesus with others, knowing that He alone has the power to bring dead souls to life.

Scriptures to Study:

John 10:27-28, 1 John 5:11-12, Ephesians 2:4-5, Colossians 2:13-14


The Authority of the Son to Judge

Jesus reveals that the Father has entrusted all judgment to Him. As the Son of Man, Jesus holds the unique role of judge, determining the eternal fate of all people. This truth is profound: the same One who offers grace and life is also the One who will judge the living and the dead. Jesus' judgment is righteous because it is perfectly aligned with the will of the Father. "As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just" (v. 30).

For believers, this truth offers both comfort and a call to accountability. We can have confidence in Christ's just and merciful judgment, knowing that through His sacrifice, we have passed from death to life. However, we must also live in a manner that reflects our allegiance to Him, as we will give an account for how we have lived. The Holy Spirit guides us in living lives that are pleasing to God, helping us bear fruit for His kingdom.

Scriptures to Study:

2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12, Acts 17:30-31, Revelation 20:11-12


The Resurrection of Life and Judgment

Jesus concludes with a future-looking statement about the resurrection. He declares that a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and rise—some to the resurrection of life and others to the resurrection of judgment. This speaks of the final resurrection at the end of the age when everyone will stand before Christ. Those who have believed in Him will experience eternal life, but those who have rejected Him will face eternal judgment.

This reminder of the resurrection serves as a powerful motivator for our lives today. Our choices, actions, and faith in this life have eternal consequences. As disciples, we are to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that Jesus, in His authority, will one day call all people to rise and face either life or judgment. This should stir us to remain faithful and to share the gospel urgently with those who are still in darkness.

Scriptures to Study:

Daniel 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Matthew 25:31-34, Revelation 20:13-15


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